A Beautiful Retreat & Competition For a Cause

While Friday, April 11th was certainly not a lovely spring day {wind, snow, and sleet, oh my!} here in Calgary, the Opal Room Signature Tasting Series at Priddis’ Azuridge Estate Hotel certainly provided refuge from the cold in the form of unforgettable bites and cocktails.

The event, created in the hopes of finding the hotel a signature cocktail, featured three of Calgary’s best mixologists each shaking {and stirring} up a delectable drink. The libations were then paired with a dish from a partnering chef, and guests later voted on their favourite combo. Best of all, part of the night's proceeds went to Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids.

Chef Yoshi Chubachi {pictured above} from Azuridge was paired up with the Bourbon Room’s Stephen Phipps; Justin Leboe from Calgary’s Model Milk with Franz Swinton of Anejo; and Rouge’s Paul Rogalski with Jimmy Nguyen of Brix & Morsel. At the end of the night, Phipps’ cocktail {pictured at top of page} was declared the winner, and trust me – the title was well-deserved.